When a law enforcement officer dies in the line of duty, the loss reverberates throughout the community. The family loses a beloved member, the law enforcement agency loses a respected colleague, and the community loses the services of an officer dedicated to its protection.
The Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society® (GCPOMS) was established in 1985 by a handful of area police officers after the funeral of a fellow officer killed in the line of duty. Grieving the loss of a friend and fellow officer, they made a promise: they would never abandon the families of fallen officers or let the community forget their service.
Keeping “The Promise”
The Police Memorial Society keeps the promise of its founders by honoring the service of fallen officers to ensure they are not forgotten, and by providing assistance and emotional support to their families and friends.
Creating a Living Memorial
Dedicated on May 14, 1993, The Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial features the names of each officer who has died in the line of duty from our area, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden that invites contemplation.
Located at the corner of West 3rd St. and Lakeside Ave in downtown Cleveland, the Memorial occupies the site of Fort Huntingon, built to defend the city during the War of 1812. It is fitting that it now serves to honor both those who continue to protect, and those who have died protecting our lives and property, especially those from Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina and northern Summit counties.
Constructed of black polished granite, the structure comprises almost 1,000 square feet of space, featuring a curved wall that slopes gently from two feet high upward to six feet semi-surrounding pillars. The Memorial wall bears the inscription: The Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial.
The pillars inside the curved wall measure seven feet wide, twelve feet high and two feet thick. Each bears the name, law enforcement agency, and the “end of watch” date of each of the officers who has died in the line of duty. Sadly, one of the pillars has space remaining for those officers who have yet to pay the supreme sacrifice in the never-ending war on crime.
The walkways approaching and encircling the Memorial are lined with commemorative pavers. The GCPOMS offers the public a meaningful way to demonstrate their support of law enforcement and the maintenance of the Memorial by purchasing a personalized brick.
